Youth2000 survey series

This report presents the initial findings from the first nationally representative New Zealand youth health survey, Youth2000, carried out between March and October 2001. Designed by the Adolescent Health Research Group (AHRG) of the University of Auckland, the Youth2000 survey was carried out using a Computer Assisted Self Interview with multimedia graphics (M-CASI) system with a number of on-screen confidentiality, safety and help functions being made available to participants during the survey. Participants were 9,699 year 9 to 13 students from 114 schools nationwide. The major findings are that more than 80% of students surveyed feel healthy, do not engage in multiple risky behaviours, and report positive connections to family, school and peers. However, approximately half those surveyed have not sought assistance from health services, even when they knew they needed to, due to a wide range of perceived barriers. A significant number of young people ride in cars with potentially intoxicated drivers, grow up in unsafe environments, and experience emotional health problems. Although participants were young people who attend school, that results may not reflect the experiences of all youth. The report contains a section relating to injury and violence with particular reference to bullying, and makes a recommendation to schools in order to reduce this.

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